Key facts
- Athlete
- Savannah Boundy, 15, from Koonawarra, NSW
- Event
- GKR World Cup in Telford, United Kingdom, late July
- Achievement
- Two gold medals in 14-15-year-old red and blue-belt divisions
- Team
- GKR Wollongong team
- Background
- Took up karate for self-defence after being bullied at high school
- Team result
- 18 of 22 from GKR Wollongong and Albion Park medalled at the World Cup
Background
Savannah Boundy, a 15-year-old from Koonawarra near Wollongong in NSW's Illawarra region, was badly bullied when she started high school a few years ago. Her parents, Damian Boundy and Deearna Bedford, encouraged her to take up karate for self-defence, which she did.
Savannah said she fell in love with karate as soon as she took it up. 'I'm glad my parents suggested it after I was being bullied. It's helped build up my confidence a lot. It is a sport that keeps me healthy.'
World Cup victory
Representing the GKR Wollongong team, Savannah won two gold medals while competing in the 14-15-year-old red and blue-belt divisions at the GKR World Cup in Telford, United Kingdom, in late July. The Year 10 student was shocked but ecstatic to win two gold medals.
'It's a big achievement. It's a little bit of a shock really because I generally didn't think I'd come home with two golds,' Savannah said. She added that while she loved competing in the tournament, her first trip overseas was a 'little bit stressful'.
'It was a very stressful experience. There's a lot of pressure built up, especially once you start. Especially once I started to fly over. That was my first trip overseas.'
Impact on Savannah and her team
Savannah said she was proud of her teammates and thankful to her senseis. 'To have 18 of the 22 [from GKR Wollongong and Albion Park] medal at the World Cup was fantastic,' she said.
Her mother, Deearna Bedford, praised her daughter and thanked everyone who helped Savannah succeed. 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us throughout this journey, whether through financial contributions, words of encouragement, or simply being there for Savannah every step of the way. Your support meant more than you know,' Ms Bedford said.
'After an incredible journey halfway across the world, Savannah showed everyone exactly what she's capable of, bringing her absolute best to the world stage. We are beyond proud to say she has come home as the World Champion of her division!'
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Savannah credited her parents and senseis for her success, noting the endless training over the past two years specifically for this tournament. 'I've had a lot of people who have helped me. One hundred per cent my mum and dad because they supported me and pushed me every day.'
If Savannah continues her training and dedication, she may compete in future international tournaments and potentially win more titles. However, her immediate plans remain unclear, and it is not known whether she will defend her title at the next GKR World Cup.
Should she pursue further competitions, her experience at this World Cup could provide a foundation for continued success, but such outcomes depend on her ongoing commitment and support from her team and family.
Source: katherinetimes.com.au
